Our Miniature Hobby Lifestyle
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are here to stay. Whether it is ChatGPT, AI image generators, or other emerging AI tools that seemingly create something from nothing (a misnomer, by the way), they are becoming more accessible and easier to use. Of course, in my career and artistic pursuits, I’ve often found myself relying on these …
How AI Tools Stifle My Creativity and What I Learned Read More »
I got lost for a while back there. Not lost in the sense of not knowing where I am, but lost in the sense of feeling disoriented and confused. And, it is often “stopping” to smell the roses that helped me find my way again. Here, it was a road trip. At these moments which …
Ever have a problem with getting started with a project? I find that as I get better at doing something, the harder it is to continue. After a bit of introspection, I realized that this is a key symptom of “aspiration paralysis”. As I get better and more confident, my natural inclination is to expect …
The Benefits of Low Expectations (10 Creative Tips) Read More »
I write a lot. Most of it is technical academic stuff for work. But, often I’ll pull up a blank page and draft a creative story or some essay on the state of the world—life. It’s something I enjoy doing and it helps me make sense of what’s going on internally in my head. Journaling …
The Silver Lining: How Inflation and a Bad Economy Can Fuel Your Creative Writing Read More »
As a miniature painter, have you ever found yourself feeling stuck, unmotivated, or doubting your abilities? These feelings may be the result of learned helplessness, a psychological phenomenon that can impact even the most skilled and experienced artists. In this article, I explore the concept of learned helplessness, its prevalence in miniature painting, and its …
What is “Learned Helplessness”? Insights for Artists Read More »
Are you looking to travel with your hobby? Do you want the best portable light for painting miniatures? Maybe you’re traveling to a convention, or you want to work in another room near the family. In either case, you probably could use a portable LED lamp. In this article, I share my thoughts about what …
Need a Portable Light Solution for Miniature Painting? Read More »
Distractions are everywhere. You’re trying to get work done, but your mind keeps wandering off to think about that new gossipy thing you heard about your co-worker, or that reality show you can’t miss tonight. Even when we’re trying to focus on a task, it’s hard to resist the pull of a distraction. When it …
The Power of “No”: Are You a Distracted Hobbyist? Read More »
I often get asked why I write so much about hobbies, thoughts, and insights. The simple answer is that it’s something I’m passionate about. But there’s more to it than that. It’s kind of an identity. I think it’s important to have a hobby or creative outlet that is entirely your own. Something that you …
Hobby Writing and Intrusive Thoughts (Editorial) Read More »
Do you ever feel like you’re just not good enough? That no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to achieve your goals? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, this is a feeling that nearly everyone experiences at some point in their lives. The key to overcoming this feeling is to learn from …
What Painting Miniatures Teaches You About Blood and Failure Read More »
Unmotivated? Lost the mojo for writing or creating whatever you usually enjoy doing? I have a few thoughts on this issue. But, I’ve also got a problem. Hah! Here I am sitting in front of my computer, gnawing on a pen (bad habit). And, I do want to write! But, I don’t know why I …
As a miniature painter of tabletop gaming models, do you often feel the pressure to create perfect pieces. This can be extremely frustrating, as it seems that no matter what you do, you can never quite achieve the level of perfection you’re striving for. This can result in a lot of wasted time and energy, …
Do You Suffer From Hobby Perfectionism? (Solutions) Read More »
A lot has been said about the relationship between science and art. Some people believe that they are two completely separate entities, while others think that they work together to create a deeper understanding of the world around us. I happen to fall into the latter category, and I believe that both science and art …
Empathy: Why Science and Art Must Go Together (Editorial) Read More »
Grit is a quality that is essential for any miniature painter. It’s what allows us to keep going when we’re painting something and it doesn’t look right, or when we’ve been working on the same miniature for hours and it’s still not done. It’s what helps us to learn from our mistakes and to keep …
How Grit Helps With Miniature Painting: Are You Gritty? Read More »
Do you find yourself unhappy with your miniature painting? There are many reasons you may not be satisfied with your paintings. Maybe you’re unhappy with how the colors turned out, or thinking you used the wrong paint scheme. It could be that they made a mistake and now their piece couldn’t be used for its …
Unhappy or Frustrated With Miniature Painting? How to Be More Satisfied Read More »
Ever wonder why you can’t seem to finish a project? Procrastination, it’s like a road block that holds you back. Whatever thorn is in your side, you can’t name it or pull it out. The bogeyman stalks all artists and miniature painters the same, and makes the work that much more scary. I’ve said it …
Procrastination: The Bogeyman of Artists and Miniature Painters Read More »